“If anybody says we’re not racing, you heard it here first: We are racing this weekend,” track announcer Troy Hennig said to those in attendance at a season kickoff luncheon Thursday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.

This weekend’s Silver Cup features more than $30,000 in prize money for the three divisions — 360 winged sprints, IMCA dirt modifieds and wingless sprints — competing over the two days.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. while the front grandstand gate will open at 5 p.m. Time trials begin at 6 p.m. with racing slated to start at 7 p.m. All seats are general admission. For pricing and general information, go to the speedway website at www.silverdollarspeedway.com.

While recent rain could have dampened the chances for races, both Hennig and Dennis Gage, the track’s promoter, said the pits were clear before Wednesday night’s rain and they were going out there after the luncheon to pump out what was there then. If more rain persists, they will make the final decision for racing by this morning.

“We had all the water pumped,” Gage said. “Not saying it’s going to be a perfect world. ? We’re going to race this weekend. I would advise race teams those of you with semi haulers those are probably going to sink.”

But other options will work such as a four-wheel pickup and a flatbed trailer.

“Be prepared to get muddy. Bring your high boots. It’s going to be a mess,” Gage said to prospective drivers, “but we’re going to have fun. And that’s what this is all about.”

Last year, Gage and Hennig planned on more of a local emphasis for track, adding low-cost racing divisions to compete in to provide an avenue of racing to more people. The track also supported community events. Another addition was honoring former drivers who had died the previous year with awards in their names.

This year, the duo stressed stability. Gage recently signed a five-year deal to stay on as the track’s promoter.

And Hennig added: “As long as Dennis is here, I’m here, take my word. There’s a lot of work that goes on here.”

Other highlights for the track this year include the annual Mini Gold Cup, which features the World of Outlaws sprint car series, set for Saturday, March 29.

The track will again host its traditional Fourth of July fireworks show.

Another highlight to the schedule is the annual Gold Cup. During the four days of racing, set for Sept. 3-6 this year, the track will honor driver Steve Kinser in his last year of full-time competition.

Driver Kyle Hirst — no stranger to Silver Dollar Speedway as he won the main event in the opening night of the 60th annual Gold Cup Race of Champions last year — is looking forward to getting back out on the track for the Silver Cup this weekend.

“This has been one of those tracks, it’s been like a home track to me pretty much,” said Hirst, who moved to Chico recently after traveling from Sacramento previously to compete. “The atmosphere, the people, it’s more like a family than anything.”

While the track might not be in perfect condition for the Silver Cup, that hasn’t tempered Hirst’s eagerness.

“It’ll probably be heavy,” Hirst said of the track. “As long as we’re racing, it’s better than sitting at home.”